August 2006

[Jim_W]

My turn! :D

[Johnnie Paul]

I'll second this start-up

[dleviner]

Good morning! :)

[Jim_W]

Does this fellow post here on Renegades? Thought someone might know him.

http://cgi.ebay.com/SERVO-Tester-Futaba-Airtronics-JR-hitec_W0QQitemZ180013099694QQihZ008QQcategoryZ3405 6QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[ghee-grose]

I don't know him.

[ghee-grose]

A day with no posts? :confused:


:D [not now]

[UAGrad2001]

Well not quite a day. At 2:23 I was going to post and say the same thing you just did. Thanks for stealing my thunder.

[ghee-grose]

Anytime! :D

[Miderror]

even for someone from FL

[ghee-grose]

That says something right there about how hot it is!

[ghee-grose]

Rob, you got any details on the maiden?

[Mars Flyer]

Yep, Gary. Here 'tis.

I maidened my Outrage 3D (picked up in the Hobbytown sale) at NDD Thursday morning. She was much sweeter than I expected. I had the controls set to low rates and the lower ailerons were fixed (I was too lazy to hook them up) so she wouldn't be too touchy.

The setup is - Park 370 brushless inrunner, cheap ESC from RCHOTDEALS, Berg 4 rcvr, 3 GWS Pico servos, 3 cell ThunderPower 910 mAh LiPo, 9x7 prop.

My copilot was Officer Mark Matthews of the HPD. He dropped by to talk airplanes. He had seen us out there many times and thought he might like to join in the fun. He is a really nice guy and would make a great addition to the gang.

I was pretty nervous on the first launch and didn't get on the throttle quick enough to do more than land a few feet away. A nice glide test is a good idea anyway ;)

The second launch was beautiful. She climbs great at full throttle and isn't too touchy. Loops are tight and quick. After one loop and a nice roll, we noticed somthing dangling from the bottom of the plane. The battery had come loose from the velcro inside. She was still flying great although the cg had shifted forward. I brought her in, secured the battery and headed up again.

Since I was gabbing with the officer, I didn't do my usual stall tests and didn't try an outside loop. The roll was much easier than with my other planes I guess due to the no dihedral, flat airfoil. Hooking up the bottom ailerons ought to make for quick rolls although I'll have to secure the battery better :D I also want to explore the vertical climb ability a little more on my next flight. I may try some different props too.

I was really pleasantly surprised at how easy she is to fly. Dead stick landings are slow and smooth. I doubt I'll be doing any 3D flying but I should be able to do some basic aerobatics with this plane.

Rob

[ghee-grose]

Great report Rob!!!! I knew you would like that plane. It's about the slowest flying plane I have. :D

The battery coming loose thing is sometimes a problem with mine. The thing is with this lovely heat we have the adhesive doesn't work very well on the foam.

Have you had a chance to notice how sustained inverted flight is so easy yet? Mine will fly hands free level flight inverted and right-side up.

[dee-grose]

Pretty cool, Rob! What gearbox are you using?

[Jim_W]

I'd really like to see the Outrage fly Rob. I've been doing a little reading since I saw it here. Reviews and opinions are all favorable. Available at Tower for 39.95, so I like the price! :)

Wouldn't happen to want to come to New Hope Sunday would ya? :D

[Mars Flyer]

Pretty cool, Rob! What gearbox are you using?

Andy,

It is a GWS D gearbox. I think it was the original on my Slow Stick so it has many miles and many memories on it.

Also, I have a correction. The prop is a 10x4.7 rather than a 9x7.

Rob

[Jim_W]

Rob, would you give us the low down on the Mars thing occurring this month? :)

Thanks, JimW.

[Moonbeam Six]

Jim,
While awaiting Rob's reply, you might want to check out:
http://www.snopes.com/science/mars.asp

MB6

[ChromeDome]

RCRC is hosting their Warbirds fly-in this weekend August 12-13. The field will open at noon Friday for testing. Event starts at 8 AM Saturday. First flight at 9 AM.

RCRC web site (http://www.rocketcityrc.com/)

[dleviner]

This site is blocked from work... can somebody upload the flyer?


RCRC is hosting their Warbirds fly-in this weekend August 12-13. The field will open at noon Friday for testing. Event starts at 8 AM Saturday. First flight at 9 AM.

RCRC web site (http://www.rocketcityrc.com/)

[ghee-grose]

Here ya go! :cool:

[dleviner]

you da man Gary

[ghee-grose]

Just a man that isn't blocked from RCRC while at work.... yet. :o

[Mars Flyer]

Jim,

It's a hoax. The link Frank gave explains it. The hoax pops up every August, since 2003 at least. Mars is pretty much on the other side of the sun right now and isn't coming anywhere near close. It never can get as big as the full moon to the naked eye.

In true astronomical news, the Perseid meteor shower is this weeked peaking on Saturday night/Sunday morning. The nearly full moon will make it tough to see the fainter meteors but it is still worth a look. Just look up, preferably after midnight.

Rob

Rob, would you give us the low down on the Mars thing occurring this month? :)

Thanks, JimW.

[ghee-grose]

Rob, I was out a couple nights ago (taking the dog out) around 10:00 and caught view of a two nice meteors just a few seconds apart. Both of them started nearly straight over my head and trailed southward as they faded.

That's the first ones I've seen in a long time. I was wondering to myself... "I wonder if Rob knows about a shower that might be coming up soon?" :p

[Jim_W]

This place has pretty decent prices on the BP type motor. I just bought one on ebay from him. I got a 12Y and a 15amp ESC. When it comes in I'll let yall know. I got it for sons SlowStick.

BTW...got motor/stick mount/esc for 28.99 plus 2.00 shipping.

Jim

http://stores.ebay.com/Heads-Up-RC

[dleviner]

I've got a new twist to BPS combat.... for this fall.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=538756


Reno style racing with BPS type planes or even the Blu51 (or come up with a BluRenoRacer original) -- but the catch is "hits" are allowed...


Todd, you might need to bring the poles out again :D

[dleviner]

Does anyone have any of those flying wings from

http://simiair.biz/

laying around in their workshop? I remember Todd ordering a bunch 2 years ago. Here are the threads.


http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=404501

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?p=528758


I remember them being $5.95 each or something like that.

[GLIDERGIDER]

I like that F14. But what do you mean, hits are allowed. I thought that goes without saying anytime a Blu is in the air.

I've got a new twist to BPS combat.... for this fall.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=538756


Reno style racing with BPS type planes or even the Blu51 (or come up with a BluRenoRacer original) -- but the catch is "hits" are allowed...


Todd, you might need to bring the poles out again :D

[GLIDERGIDER]

By the way, have you noticed that RocketJim is MIA? Well, I just found out that his internet has gone belly up. Jim asked me to let all you'all know that he will return.

[atjurhs]

Does anyone have any of those flying wings from

http://simiair.biz/

laying around in their workshop? I remember Todd ordering a bunch 2 years ago. Here are the threads.


http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=404501

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?p=528758


I remember them being $5.95 each or something like that.

I'm pretty sure I've still got one or two. I'll look tonight for ya. Might be a fun project to bring back.

[dleviner]

here is the F14 thread

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=450803&pp=15

[Jim_W]

http://www.hobby-lobby.com/bts-sale.htm

Sale details for today.

[Jim_W]

SA Stik is starting to interest me again! :)

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=557206#post5926227

[Jim_W]

I'd really like to see the Outrage fly Rob. I've been doing a little reading since I saw it here. Reviews and opinions are all favorable. Available at Tower for 39.95, so I like the price! :)

Wouldn't happen to want to come to New Hope Sunday would ya? :D

Still want to see the Outrage fly! :)

JimW

[Jim_Marconnet]

Flew early this AM at NDD. Had the whole field to myself except when a guy came to walk his dog. The next thing I knew I had a dog licking the back of my leg while I was flying the ES. Glad it did not Bite me!

Three up Three down!

My ES apparently warped in my trunk in the heat. It flew really weird. Would only turn one way, galloped. Acted random. Not Easy! (Found the LiPo shifted aft in flight, moving CG! Guess I need more bubble wrap or something to hold the LiPo in place way up in the nose. Trims yet to reset at control surfaces with tiny allen wrench, after I find it.)

My Ascent, on first motor fire-up, visibly cracked the pod near the motor. Damaged earlier, I guess. Figured it would not matter too much, but I was wrong. Medium-short weird flight. Observed pod cracked half way around after landing. Time for significant repairs or a whole new pod. (Since somebody apparently bought the last Ascent at Rick's, I bought a sheet of light fibreglass cloth to use with my epoxy to attempt a fix. Rick says it can be repeatedly fixed this way, getting uglier every time, till it weighs several pounds! :D )

Got really brave and maidened the Micro Jet. Seemed underpowered and heavy. Was. Three tries wide open with harder and harder throws. All plopped in the grass. Guess I'll try a 3S next time. (bought and charged up a CommonSense RC 3S 1600mAh. That ought to either get it flying or torch the 12 amp ESC trying!)

(told my Wife I want the Aerofly Pro simulator for my birthday in late September. After yesterday's less that WOW flying in the real world (HOT!), I really want it sooner!)

[Mars Flyer]

Still want to see the Outrage fly! :)

JimW


Jim,

I promise we'll fly together sometime soon. I have been busy with work and family and only get a half hour now and then to fly. Not enough time so far to make to the trip to your lovely place.

Rob

[Jim_W]

Jim,

I promise we'll fly together sometime soon. I have been busy with work and family and only get a half hour now and then to fly. Not enough time so far to make to the trip to your lovely place.

Rob

Sounds great. Looking forward to it. On another note, I'm hoping cooler days are just around the corner so it will be more enjoyable!

JimW

[Jim_W]

This place has pretty decent prices on the BP type motor. I just bought one on ebay from him. I got a 12Y and a 15amp ESC. When it comes in I'll let yall know. I got it for sons SlowStick.

BTW...got motor/stick mount/esc for 28.99 plus 2.00 shipping.

Jim

http://stores.ebay.com/Heads-Up-RC

Received the motor/esc today in the mail. ESC is about the same physical size as a CC Tbird18. I can buy 2 of the WOW esc's for the cost of 1 CCTB18. Of course, it remains to be seen whether the WOW is any good. I have several of the TB 18's and they have worked flawlessly so far.

I've already installed a Esskay 400XT in my son's SlowStick, so I'll probably put this BP12Y in a Estarter. I'll post results when I build the Estarter.

JimW

[Jim_Marconnet]

Tried today at (mowed yesterday!) NDD with the new 3S instead of the 2S pack. Now I either trip the 8-amp ESC at WOT, or at slightly reduced throttle ->>>>> belly flops on launch.

Am beginning to believe the many folks who say the Rx-ready version is unflyable without swapping to a lighter and/or more powerful brushless motor and appropriate brushless ESC. Or using a high start or a catapult for launch.

Perhaps the motor needs some breaking-in. Or re-propping smaller for the 3S. Or the LiPo may need some gentle charge/discharge cycles before first flight. Not sure what to try next. I'm pretty frustrated. Tempted to just sit it on the shelf and do something else. :confused:

A total newbie might never ever get this combination to fly before s/he splattered it to bits trying. But some say it flies ok in stock Rx-ready condition. For now I cannot recommend this plane to anyone.

[Jim_W]

Does anybody here (besides me) prowl around at Dixieland Sales off Oakwood Ave in Hntsville? Good place for cheapie tools, gloves, ect.....also good source for all your swoard and machete' needs. I know I can't resist a good swoard fight now and then.....lol.... :eek: NOT!

JimW

[Jim_Marconnet]

Does anybody here (besides me) prowl around at Dixieland Sales off Oakwood Ave in Hntsville? Good place for cheapie tools, gloves, ect.....also good source for all your swoard and machete' needs. I know I can't resist a good swoard fight now and then.....lol.... :eek: NOT!

JimW
Jim:

I've been there, but with my tunnel vision, all I saw was a bunch of stuff I did not need.

[dleviner]

An excellent 3 dimesional Fan Fold foam build guide. Check it out.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=478332&pp=15

[Jim_Marconnet]

Boy has it been hot for a long time! Looking back, I sure enjoyed (and miss!) the AM and lunch gatherings of several Renegades at the Northrup Grumman site and later at NDD. Also several Renegades lunches at ATDRAN. Thanks to all who came and made it so much fun.

But things change. Seemingly a lot fewer folks have been flying in the hot weather, or are staying closer to home to fly. Some are on diets and don't eat out any more.

Quite a bit of organized summer sailplane flying at Sharron Johnson Park Saturdays and at Oakwood College on Sundays by the NASF.

The ADTRAN lunches tapered down to nice small gatherings. No idea when another will be scheduled.

Several nice folks left ADTRAN for better jobs elsewhere. Miss 'em!

Now the Cross Country Challenge encouraging small groups to form and to compete against each other for the Glory!

I'm assigned out on the Arsenal now, and NDD is no longer close on my way to/from work, much less at lunch time. I've kept my eyes and ears open at work, and have found several folks in the (huge!) Building 5400 I work in who fly R/C. But none particularly active currently. Busted planes, too hot, too busy at work, moved to a less convenient location, etc. etc. But I'll keep on asking around. There must be some currently-active R/C flyers there somewhere, perhaps at least when things cool off.

With nothing actually flyable just now, I've been reviewing my tattered fleet on hand and trying to figure out what to fix or to build next. Lots of potential, but no firm to-do list at the moment. Guess it will be a long time till I get anywhere close to Rob's fleet of 13(?) flyable planes that he somehow keeps constantly flyable despite flying them. :D But to me, 3 flyable planes would be really nice, IMHO. Zero flyable planes is a real bummer!

In October when it's hopefully cooler, I may join AMA and the NASF and fly some with them. Not to compete, just to fly with some nice guys, assuming they will have me. Not sure what plane, though. I really really really like the Ascent, but it needs a lot of fibreglass work (a totally new deal for me) to fly again, and it's perhaps a little too small to fly with the "big birds". I'm spoiled by motor-gliders, and am reluctant to do a pure sailplane requiring a winch or HiStart. I'm open to suggestions for something reasonably transportable and fun. Cousin Dave suggested it should be 2 meters or larger for visibility and performance.

Thanks forall the Renegade fun and individual encouragement you have shared along the way.

Jim

[GLIDERGIDER]

Jim,
Good post, and yes are welcome to join the NASF. And yes, I do want to get you into a 2 meter pure sailplane, some day, in the future, and of course, somebody needs to tell your missus that your xmas present should be a flight simulator. Either the AeroFly Pro or the G3.

Anyway, your post above summarized the summer-eze very nicely.
cousin Dave

[Jim_W]

Stoped by RatShack and ordered a PicoZ today. Will report back on it when it comes in. Looks to be another "AeroAce" type fad in chopper form.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=554408

Jim

[ghee-grose]

Were they $30???

Yes.... I'm gonna have to get one of these too! :p

[Jim_W]

Were they $30???

Yes.... I'm gonna have to get one of these too! :p

Yep, 29.95 and tax, shipped to my door. He said I'd have it by Wednesday. :rolleyes: We'll see! ;)

JimW

[UAGrad2001]

A classic example of GBS

Were they $30???

Yes.... I'm gonna have to get one of these too! :p

[ghee-grose]

Jim, be sure to give us a quick flight report! :D

Christopher, be quiet... I think you have the worst case of GBS! :p

[Moonbeam Six]

An excellent 3 dimesional Fan Fold foam build guide. Check it out.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=478332&pp=15

David,

Thanks for that link. It is really a great thread for the modelers among us. The "peeled" FFF opens up a lot of new possibilities. I peeled some, and Demon-Leather's technique works great. I am going to try to bend a wing (top and bottom skins) from a single piece of FFF. I have a project in mind that will stretch my envelope with this new building technique and with flying it (assuming it ever gets built)

Frank

[Jim_W]

Does anyone here use the 05S Hitec receiver? I'm needing a solid receiver for my Formosa II, and considering the 05S. All input and/or suggestions welcome. :)

Thanks, Jim.

[dee-grose]

Jim, I have a Hitec 05S. I've flown it a good bit and the only problem I had with it was some glitching up on the slope at the quarry. Now it is in my Fling and I've flown it a good bit and haven't had a problem. Hope that helps.

Andy

[dleviner]

I can now vouch for the new Castle Creations Berg 4 series receivers. They are rock solid -- I have never noticed a hit. Not like the last batch that Peter Berg had contracted out to manufacture (I believe that was back in the winter of 2004). Ever since Castle bought ought Peter's design, there have been dramatic improvements over what was already a good design. Each and every one of the CC Bergs go through quality assurance (not just a sample from the batch) in their "radio" test lab in their new facility.

I fly one in my "pylon" type plane (you can't afford hits in this one), the SQuiRT, and my Zero.

[chuckand]

I'm assigned out on the Arsenal now, and NDD is no longer close on my way to/from work, much less at lunch time. I've kept my eyes and ears open at work, and have found several folks in the (huge!) Building 5400 I work in who fly R/C. But none particularly active currently.

Jim

Hey Jim,

Any potential for a location to fly out here? I'm right around the corner in 5429 (the rest of my group is in 5400) and I have asked the MWR folks about a flying site to no avail. Any other possibilities?

My hanger consists of DLG, foamies (including Micro-Jet), stoopid-fast wings, and soon a "wheeled" sport plane or two. I fly when I can where I can... and have been to NDD a few times (yes, it's too hot for me lately... but late this week is looking like a great time to get out there!). I'd be glad to bring in some toys... and yack or fly... or whatever. It'd be great to find place to fly out here though!

Catch ya later,

Chuck

PS (I'm the only "Andrus" in the global address list. Drop me a note if you like).

[ghee-grose]

Ya'll be careful where you choose to fly out on base... just ask Andy. He's got a "buddy" out there in the Marshall Security crew. :D

I will just say that Andy was in a thermal and didn't want to come down. :p You tell 'em the rest bro!

[ghee-grose]

I see ya'll watching!!! :cool:

I don't think I've seen this many on the forum at one time in a while. :D

[dee-grose]

Yeah, my Fling was in a boomer of a thermal when the security guard asked us to land. I said I would and then he left. Well, about 15 minutes later, he drove back up and brought his supervisor. He was quite irritated. By this point, I had lost my most of my lift and was making my approach to land. I finally brought it to a handcatch (I think) at about 19 minutes. I turned around and gave a little bow to him. Then he proceeded to "write me up" with a warning. Never heard any more from it. Kinda funny if you ask me.

We were flying that big field on the east side of the tall MSFC buildings. Great place to park and fly. Too bad the NASA Protective Force guys were such jerks.

Andy

[GLIDERGIDER]

Next time, ask permission. You might be surprised. At Oakwood college, the security guards used to investigate our group flying activities, and even requested that we speak to the lieutenant. We finally figured them out, now that we drive by the security gate and make them aware that we are going to fly. In this case, it was a matter of letting them know ahead of time. They just wanted to know who we were. They were happy to share their land for our sailplane group.

MSFC might be a bit more regimented. Ask permission to fly a kite, then get out the glider instead. Really they are about he same.

[dee-grose]

The funny thing is that I had flown numerous times at other sites around MSFC and even had the guards stop and chat. Never had a problem until that day. I guess the guy was having a bad day or was just bored.

[Jim_Marconnet]

Hey Jim,

Any potential for a location to fly out here? ......

Chuck:

I have no info one way or the other about flying R/C on post. Somehow I'd be surprised if it's possible, except perhaps for folks like Don M. and Ken F. who are flying Government UAVs and the like.

Then again, if you're flying a 1:1 scale military helicopter, especially carrying a lot of ordinance, and perhaps some special ops guys with their own weapons, I doubt the guards would give you much grief. :D

I'll give you a call. I've been asking around about RCers in 5400 hoping I could find enough to perhaps do an ADTRAN-style lunch, except in the 5400 cafeteria, at the Sparkman Center, or something similar. At the very least some guys to chat with occasionally about flying. Glad to learn about you and your buddies.

[Jim_Marconnet]

After talking to several folks who work on the arsenal, etc. etc. I've run my known R/C flyers in/around Building 5400 leads to the ground. I expect no major breakthroughs there unless I simply get lucky. There seems to be mostly inactive R/C flyers and/or a few duplicates with the Renegades & NASF.

Also I have enough inputs/info to realize that private R/C flying on post is extremely unlikely, so I won't persue that further.

So.... onward with work, quiet lunches in solitude, and flying and socializing with the Renegades when possible, and possibly also with the NASF guys starting in October.

On the other hand, I could rent a billboard... Nah!

[Moonbeam Six]

So.... onward with work, quiet lunches in solitude, and flying and socializing with the Renegades when possible,...

Jim,

Flying with others is certainly a lot of fun. Before the Renegades were, the only electric flyers I knew were Rob, Gary, and Andy. Then, one or more of us would gather at MDA (Moquin Drive Aerodrome) near where the big new building is going up, and have fun flying and watching others fly. Typically, there would be only two or three of us. Sharing the good times is great. Gradually, the group began to grow.

There is, however, a lot to be said for solitary flying. You can learn a lot about your airplane(s), and build experience and skill without a coach, an audience, or other fliers competing for airspace. Most of my flying lately is with my GymSwallow "Debbie" in my front yard after sunset. It is quiet and relaxing; very enjoyable. Sometimes Gary or Andy will bring a plane, or I will go to their place, and those times are good, but mostly, I fly alone now.

So, don't quit flying because there isn't a group where you happen to be. Just find yourself an open area, and put the appropriate plane in the air above it. Just think of it as being able to "enjoy the whole Hershey bar" all by yourself. I think you will find it rewarding. Then, when you get back with the group, you'll have new skills and techniques to show off. If it is flying, it is all good.

MB6

P.S. Yes, I know it is September already. :)

[Jim_Marconnet]

Jim,

Flying with others is certainly a lot of fun....
Frank:

Glad you are having fun. Thanks for sharing.

Before it got so durn hot this summer, I did quite a bit of flying with the ES and then with the Ascent by myself. Much more than I did with others.

Yes that is fun. I'm really glad to see hints that the weather may be breaking so I can get out more this fall. As I'm sure others are and will, too. Yesterday lunch time was a Clue! :D

Thanks for all you bring to the sport.
Jim